Trash Mutant Interviews (TMI): Luke Chueh

Early last month we posted a review of "The Art of Luke Chueh: Bearing the Unbearable", an artbook that gave a fascinating and in-depth look at the works of one of the most interesting and unique modern painters.Today we are very happy to follow up on that article, with a Trash Mutant Interview with the Los Angeles-based artist himself.

How would you describe your style to people who have yet to check out your art?

I would describe my work as figurative paintings featuring anthropomorphized characters, inspired by comic art and cartoons. Unfortunately these cute and approachable characters are usually inserted into unfortunate and often violent situations. Such is life.

Can you give us a description of what your creative process is like?

I basically try to reinterpret life experiences. Sometimes I overextend and exaggerate feelings of betrayal, or innocence lost. I also draw inspiration idioms, and world history.

What music does Luke Chueh listen to while painting? Or in-between painting, for that matter.

I listen to lots of indie rock. Bands like Explosions in the Sky, Mogwai, Godspeed, You Black Emperor, are often playing in the background. Lately I've been listening to lots of Deastro, Muse, The Killers, The Flaming Lips, The Radio Dept., The Legends, Labrador Records releases, The Cure, and a lot of other bands I grew up listening to. Music is a great motivator. It helps me get in the mood and keeps me going while I'm in the studio.

Luke's cover to the Fall Out Boy album Folie à Deux.

When you meet people and they find out you're an artist, what is the most common reaction you get from them when you show them your works?

It used to be that the first thing people would associate with my work with is Anime or Manga. Lately, the first reactions I get are something like "Oh! I've seen your work", or "cute!".

Do you think it’s fair to compare your style with the likes of Jhonen Vasquez and Jamie Smart?

I've been a Jhonen Vasquez fan since before I started painting full time. I was recently introduced to Jamie Smart, and I think his work is amazing too and I'm definitely a fan!

Where do you draw inspiration from? Do you slaughter cute animals between paintings?

I think the most interesting kind of art is one that explores contrast whether visual (studies in contrast, complementary colors, texture, and composition), or narrative (ie. cute/light characters in dark situations, or dark/ugly characters in light/beautiful situations). I try to incorporate elements of both visual and narrative contrast in my work.

"Jacked"

We thought the book was incredible, but did you feel like it was a good representation of your work?

Yes, I'm very happy with the way the book came out. The simplicity of the design and the way they would cluster paintings together around themes or colors came out great.

Do you have any regrets in your art career?

I think everybody experiences some kind of regret in their lives or careers, and I'm no different. There are few shows and paintings that I wish I spent more time on, or that I never created. But you can't let regrets bring you down. You need to learn from them in the hopes that it'll make you a better artist and/or person. I remember talking to my friend L Crowsky about some paintings I wish I could get back and touch up. Crowsky said I should never do such as thing. These paintings represent a specific time and place I was at as an artist. The work might feel unfinished or rushed, but that's where I was in my life, and it's a document of that time. Embrace it and move on.

You've done some fantastic designs for skateboards. Do you skate or are you more of an observer?

Luke Chueh with "Bearing the Unbearable"

Thanks for your compliment. Unfortunately I don't skate, or I'd do a lot more decks!

Are there any artists you think the world should really be keeping an eye on right now?

I think art is a very personal thing, and we shouldn't dictate to the people what they should or shouldn't like. If an audience member likes something you disagree with, then they are obviously getting something that you are missing. But on a personal level, I truly love the works of all my friends/colleagues. I feel that their art means even more to me because the relationships that we have offer me a unique insight to their process and ideas. And as far as artists I don't know but love, the list includes Takashi Murakami, Yoshitomo Nara, Chiho Aoshima, Mr., Yue MinJun, Jeff Koons, Marcel Dzama, Camille Rose Garcia, Todd Schorr, Mark Ryden, and many, many more.

Do you have any dream projects? Stuff you'd really love to get around to doing at some point in your life?

I definitely have projects that I'm trying to figure out how to make happen. Mostly large sculptural things that I'm hoping to get to in the near future.

"My True Self"

Can you tell us anything about your plans for the immediate future? Any upcoming projects you're really looking forward to?

For 2012, on top of my book release, Munky King is releasing my third major art toy, "Target". I've also got shows planned in Chicago (Rotofugi), London (Moniker Art Fair), and Tokyo. In 2013 I'll be returning to Los Angeles with a solo show at Corey Helford Gallery. I'm also working with different mediums such sculpture, and animation.

Thank you for the interview!

"The Art of Luke Chueh: Bearing the Unbearable" can be bought at the Titan Books website. If you haven't already, you can check out our review of it right here.Make sure to check out Luke Chueh's official website to view more of his fantastic art and keep up with all his projects and plans.